Earthquakes in New York City, New York
0 in past 30 days · Population 8.3M
Last updated: July 18, 2026 at 12:31 PM UTC · Data: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
No significant earthquakes recorded near New York City recently. No M2.5+ events within 75 km in the past 30 days.
Quick Facts — Earthquakes in New York City
- Population
- 8.3M
- Seismic activity level
- low
- Nearest major fault
- Ramapo Fault System (35 km)
- Largest recorded nearby
- M5.0 (1884 New York earthquake)
- 30-year probability M6.7+
- 5% (NSHM)
- Earthquakes past 30 days
- 0
- 2026 total (M1.0+)
- 9
The New York City area averages about 0.15 magnitude 4.0+ earthquakes per year and has recorded 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) within 75 km in the past 30 days.
New York City sits in the low category for U.S. seismic activity. The largest earthquake in or near New York City since records began was the magnitude 5.0 1884 New York earthquake, which struck approximately 30 km south (offshore) of the city.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Seismic Hazard Model, there is approximately a 5% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of New York City in the next 30 years, and a 2% probability of a magnitude 7.0 or greater event. The largest credible earthquake predicted for the New York City area is a magnitude 6.5 event on the Ramapo Fault System, which lies 35 km from downtown New York City. Source: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; USGS NSHM 2023
2026 Activity vs Historical Average
Fault Lines Near New York City
| Fault Name | Type | Distance | Max Credible Mag | Last Major Rupture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramapo Fault System | normal | 35 km | M6.5 | paleoseismic data limited |
| 125th Street Fault (Manhattan) | normal | 1 km | M5.5 | unknown — possibly inactive |
| Dobbs Ferry Fault | normal | 25 km | M5.5 | unknown |
Common Questions About Earthquakes in New York City
How often do earthquakes happen in New York City?
New York City experiences relatively low earthquake activity. The area averages 1.5 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater per year, with 0.02 reaching magnitude 5.0 or higher. In the past 30 days, 0 earthquakes (M1.0+) have been recorded within 75 km of the city.
What was the biggest earthquake to hit New York City?
The largest earthquake in or near New York City since records began was the magnitude 5.0 1884 New York earthquake in 1884, which struck approximately 30 km south (offshore) of the city.
What is the earthquake risk in New York City?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is approximately a 5% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of New York City in the next 30 years. The most likely source is the Ramapo Fault System, which has a maximum credible magnitude of 6.5.
What fault lines are near New York City?
The Ramapo Fault System runs approximately 35 km from New York City and is the most significant local seismic threat, with a maximum credible magnitude of 6.5. Other nearby faults include the 125th Street Fault (Manhattan) (1 km), the Dobbs Ferry Fault (25 km).
Was there an earthquake in New York City today?
No earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded within 75 km of New York City in the past 30 days.
About This Page
This page is maintained by Earthquake Tracker, an independent seismic activity reporting service. Earthquake data is sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program and updated every hour. Probability estimates use the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM 2023). Historical earthquake data is sourced from the USGS Historical Earthquake Catalog. Fault information comes from the USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database and SCEC Community Fault Model.
Last data refresh: July 18, 2026 at 12:31 PM UTC